What should I decide?

Sixes

Sixes

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Aug 11, 2020
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Hello all, I currently have been accepted into USMA SLE summer program as well as NASS. I received my confirmation email for NASS stating that I would be attending the first session which ranges from June 3-8. I have not yet decided on a session for SLE which I have until March 15 to do so. The only problem is, that, Boys State runs at the same time during SLE. So, I was wondering if anyone had any insight on what should I decide, and if I should focus on looking good for the applications or gaining knowledge of the day to day life of the academies.
 
Boys State. Hands down. No choice.
Then decide which service academy session you wish to attend...if they overlap (NASS and SLE...then really: Army v. Navy? You will have a great week either way.)
 
Boys state. I actually know a few classmates here at USMA who didn’t even get into SLE, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get to go. Honestly my candidate overnight visit was the best and most informative thing I did for USMA before arriving on R-day.
 
As an alternative to SLE, I recommend that my students attend one of the summer sports camps at USMA (and the other SAs). It is a great way to 'see' USMA, stay in the dorms, eat in the mess hall, meet cadets and the coaching staff at the school. Boys State is definitely the best route. Enjoy NASS and Boys State!
 
Boys State. SLE's primary goal is to generate interest. It has no impact on your evaluation as a candidate, other than to check a box showing interest (and maybe getting a CFA out of the way). Stay in contact with your FFR/RO, and schedule an overnight in the fall where you'll get a better feel of the day-to-day cadet life. Best of luck!
 
There are three advantages to attending SLE:
  1. Interview conducted at SLE fulfills interview requirement and if it does not go well, does not count against candidate. It will be redone by FFR later.
  2. CFA completed at SLE and, like the interview, can be retaken.
  3. For a candidate unsure about USMA, SLE provides as thorough a look at West Point as a candidate can get.
However, none of those provide any advantage in admissions. Boys State is the correct choice for a candidate seeking additional WCS Leadership points.
 
Boys State counts toward your total score in getting in. I repeat, Boys State counts toward your total score in getting in. Do not, I repeat, do not choose SLE over Boys State. Every admissions officer at every SA will tell you this.
 
Boys State opened many doors for my kid. And it sent him on to Boys Nation. He made lifelong friends and can't wait to go back as a counselor. Due to Covid, he wasn't able to go back as the incumbent Governor and that was a disappointment. Many of the boys he met were applying to SAs, and when we attended a Senator's appointment luncheon, he recognized many there whom he had met at Boys State.

As others have said, WCS points are always great. But the experience you may have at Boys State can be life-changing. Someone told my son, 'you get out of it what you put into it'. I thought it was cliche. He came home and told me it was the best advice, and it was true.
 
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